M/V PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND; Dutch Harbor, Alaska

Dutch Harbor, Alaska | 1991-Apr-22

Initial Notification: On the afternoon of April 22, 1991, the PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, a 180-foot fish processing vessel, caught fire while moored at Captain's Bay at Unalaska Island. The vessel carried an estimated 135,000 gallons of diesel fuel. There were also limited quantities of oxygen, acetylene, and ammonia bottles; ten barrels of lube oil; and seven barrels of gasoline stored on deck. The fire was started by a welding operation in the tool room, which caused a fire in adjacent packing boxes. The local fire department attempted unsuccessfully to put out the fire. A decision was made to tow the burning vessel out to sea a safe distance northwest of Unalaska Island. USCG district 17.